ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, Dr. Lucica Ditiu appreciates the “unprecedented leadership by the Government of India” in leading the global TB elimination response
Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya discusses about opportunity to raise the narrative on TB globally through India’s upcoming G20 Presidency
Stop TB Partnership group applauded launch of Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan; Over 40,492 donors have come forward to support over 10,45,269 patients across the country
The Executive Director of the Stop TB Partnership, Dr. Lucica Ditiu and her team met the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and appreciated the “unprecedented leadership by the Government of India” in leading the global TB elimination response. Dr. Ditiu also praised India’s efforts by providing a strong vision, which is backed by effective management and expedited rollout of critical programmatic and policy interventions, including new diagnostic tests, social support initiatives and the accelerated efforts develop a new TB vaccine. The discussion also focused on the strong leadership role being provided by India to eliminate TB, and the opportunity to raise the narrative on TB globally through India’s upcoming G20 Presidency.
Dr. Mandaviya also serves as the Chair of the Stop TB Partnership’s Board till 2024. Dr. Mandaviya agreed to host the Stop TB Partnership’s 36th Board meeting on March 25-26, 2023, in Varanasi. The Board meeting will be preceded by a high-level event on March 24, 2023, which is also observed globally as World TB Day.
The group also applauded the launch of the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan – through the initiative, over 40,492 donors have come forward to support over 10,45,269 patients across the country. This includes providing additional social support to TB patients in overcoming treatment and its benefits to create a community-led movement to end TB. Dr. Ditiu also committed to supporting ten TB patients through this initiative.
About the Stop TB Partnership
The ‘Stop TB Partnership’ is an international organization working to align stakeholders from across the world, with a mission to serve every person who is vulnerable to TB and ensure that high-quality diagnosis, treatment and care is available to all who need it. It was founded in 2001 and its Secretariat is hosted by United Nations Office for Project Services  in Geneva, Switzerland.
Through its more than 1700 partners, including international and technical organizations, government programmes, research and funding agencies, foundations, NGOs, civil society, community groups and the private sector, it possesses expertise in medical, social and financial aspects to defeat TB. The ‘Stop TB Partnership’ a public -private partnership is governed by the Board. At present, Hon’ble Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare is heading the board of Stop TB Partnership as Chairperson for three years term till 2024 and is representing India’s commitment to support global cause for TB.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Gati Shakti Master Plan will accelerate the development of infrastructure: Shri Sarbananda Sonowal
Will coordinate the creation of a world class seamless multi modal transport network: Shri Sonowal
While addressing the trade partners of Deendayal Port Trust in an interactive session on Monday, the Hon’ble Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH Shri Sarbananda Sonowal said highlighted the importance of the port-lead development and creation of further infrastructure under the Gati Shakti National Master Plan recently launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
The Gati Shakti programme marks a paradigm shift in decision making to break the silos of departmentalism. In the proposed Plan, all the existing and proposed economic zones have been mapped along with the multimodal connectivity infrastructure in a single platform. Individual projects of different line Ministries would be examined and sanctioned in future within the parameters of the overall Plan, leading to synchronisation of efforts. Gati Shakti will bring synergy to create a world class, seamless multi-modal transport network in India. The National Master Plan will employ modern technology and the latest IT tools for coordinated planning of infrastructure. A GIS-based Enterprise Resource Planning system with 200+ layers for evidence-based decision-making is one example. The use of satellite imagery for monitoring is another. Digitisation will play a big role in ensuring timely clearances and flagging potential issues, and in project monitoring as well.
An efficient logistics network is one necessary condition. Another one is achieving economies of scale in manufacturing. Industrial parks and logistics parks need to grow in size to be globally competitive. The National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation , formerly DMIDC will work in close coordination with state governments to develop these industrial corridors. The projects will be designed and executed with a common vision and will incorporate the infrastructure schemes of various ministries and state governments such as the Bharatmala road project, Sagarmala waterways plan, ports and the UDAN scheme.
Shri Sonowal, further addressing to the various issues voiced by the trade, emphasised on the effective partnership between various agencies involved in the port operation as well as the other links of the logistics chain. The Hon’ble minister also highlighted the various endeavours taken by the Deendayal Port Trust to create infrastructure with a view to reduce Turn-Around Time  of ships under the Guidance of MoSPW and the various measures like implementation of projects like e-Drishti, a RFID based access control system, implementation of a cloud based ERP which have been initiated by DPT for achieving the goal of Ease of Doing Business .
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Ministry of Education
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
Samagra Shiksha scheme has been aligned with the recommendations of NEP 2020 to ensure that all children have access to quality education with an equitable and inclusive classroom environment which should take care of their diverse background, multilingual needs, different academic abilities and make them active participants in the learning process. The scheme has been continued for a period of five years with effect from 01.04.2021 to 31.03.2026.
For continuation of the Samagra Shiksha scheme, a series of consultations were held with States and UTs, Line Ministries, autonomous bodies and suggestions/ observations were sought in exploring areas of modification, revisions in programmatic and revisions in financial norms and addition of interventions. The restructured/ redesigned programmatic and financial norms of the revised Samagra Shiksha scheme have been shared with all the Stakeholders. A brief note on the redesigned Samagra Shiksha is available at https://samagra.education.gov.in/docs/samagra_shiksha.pdf .
The Scheme is implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme through a single State Implementation Society  at the State level.
The scheme also has an inbuilt comprehensive monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure optimum implementation of interventions, which, inter-alia, includes, Performance Grading Index , Unified District Information System for Education , PRoject Appraisal, Budgeting Achievements and Data Handling System , National Achievement Surveys , Audit Mechanism, Comprehensive Review Mission , Social Audit, Third Party Monitoring through Monitoring Institutes and Key Performance Indicators .
The Samagra Shiksha Manual on Financial Management and Procurement contains detailed procedures on fund flow arrangements, accounting, financial reporting, internal control and audit, external audit, procurement procedures, etc. Annual Reports of the State Implementing Societies for implementation of the scheme at State / UT level are also laid on the Table of the Parliament every year.
Further, the Ministry of Education convenes periodic meetings with State Education Ministers and Secretaries to review the programme implementation.
The information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Smt. Annpurna Devi in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
National GIS-Enabled Land Bank System
Government has integrated Industrial Information System  portal with the GIS System of six States in first phase to provide updates on land availability and plot level information to investors anywhere in the world on real time basis and help them make informed decisions.
For the development of National Land Bank, Government intends to solicit the details of industrial land with plot level information, connectivity thereto, basic facilities, other facilities available and contact details of authorities/developer of the park.
Government agencies are provided with unique User ID and password to upload the land details. However, the other investors can go to https://iis.ncog.gov.in/parks and simply register on the portal by creating a username and password and login to see the information available on the portal.
Jharkhand is one of the eight states in the second phase of integration of state land bank/GIS systems with the IIS portal. The state has uploaded land data manually on the portal in the past. The state is yet to align its portal as per the Standard Operation Procedures  of integration of the two systems. The technical teams of State of Jharkhand are in touch with MeitY team who are providing technical support to develop the GIS Based National Land Bank under IIS.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
INDIA-US COAST GUARD JOINT EXERCISE “ABHYAS-01/22” CONDUCTED OFF CHENNAI
Indo-US Coast Guard Joint Exercise “Abhyas-01/22” was conducted off Chennai today. The exercise focussed towards acquainting the Coast Guards with each other’s capabilities and strengthen their working level relationship towards enhancing inter-operability in the field of maritime search and rescue, boarding operations and other maritime law enforcement duties.
The highlights of the exercise encompassed various fleet maneuvers, the scenario of the hijacking of a vessel and subsequent rescue of its crew in a coordinated anti-piracy joint operation of both countries. Interdiction of pirated vessel, coordinated joint Boarding operation, SAR demonstration and external fire-fighting to salvage burning ships were the other highlights of the exercise.
The four days’ visit of United States Coast Guard Cutter Midgett to Chennai on a goodwill visit culminated today. During the visit USCG ship had professional exchanges on Visit-Board-Search-Seizure, Cross Deck visits, Friendly Volleyball match with Indian Coast Guard counterparts from 16 to 19 Sep 2022.
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Centre relaxes FAQ of shrivelled and broken grains upto 18% without any value cut
The decision to benefit farmers of Punjab and Haryana including UT of Chandigarh
The Centre has decided to allow FCI to procure wheat in Punjab and Haryana including UT of Chandigarh for central pool by relaxing the FAQ of shrivelled and broken grains upto 18 % without any value cut. This decision will reduce the hardship of farmers and avoid distress sale of wheat.
The state governments of Punjab and Haryana wrote to the Department of Food and Public Distribution  seeking relaxation in Uniform Specifications of Wheat for RMS 2022-23. The limit of shrivelled and broken grains is 6 % and relaxation was sought upto 20 %.
Central teams were deputed to Punjab and Haryana during April – May 2022 to collect very large size samples from the Mandis and these were analysed in FCI labs. The results indicated presence of shrivelled and broken grains in varying percentages and beyond FAQ norms.
The emergence of shrivelled grains is a natural phenomenon appearing as a result of extreme heat wave that enveloped the northern part of the country in the month of March. These adverse weather conditions are beyond the control of the farmers and hence, they should not be penalized for such natural occurrence. Accordingly, the change in texture of the grain deserves to be sympathetically considered by government to ease the hardship of farmers. Thus, suitable relaxation in FAQ norms would protect interests of farmers and promote efficient procurement and distribution of Food grains.
During the RMS 2021-22, wheat production was 1095 LMT and procurement was 433 LMT. During RMS 2022-23, wheat production was estimated at 1113 LMT. But early onset of Summer  resulted in shrivelled grains and resultant drop in yield per acre in Punjab and Haryana. The all-India procurement target has been revised to 195 LMT of wheat.
A similar decision was also taken in 2020-21 when FAQ norms were relaxed upto 16 % to protect the interest of the farmers.
Ministry of Culture
Celebration of International at Centrally Protected Monuments of Archaeological Survey of India, Thrissur Circle
Archaeological Survey of India, Thrissur Circle organized the celebration of International Yoga Day 2021 on 21.06.2021 at Palakkad Fort, Palakkad and Anjengo Fort, Thiruvanathapuram. The campaign was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India under the title “Yoga an Indian Heritage” at 75 important cultural heritage locations and also associated with India’s freedom struggle, as a part of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav ''. The occasion was inaugurated by Shri. V.K. Sreekandan, Honorable Member of Parliament, Palakkad. The session was addressed by Shri. K.P. Mohandas, Superintending Archaeologist , ASI, Thrissur Circle.
Yoga is an ancient Indian Heritage and Practice that helps in maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. Considering the current coronavirus pandemic situation and restrictions, the yoga was conducted for the staff members at the above two sites following the covid-19 protocols and norms. Common yoga protocol as per the instructions of the Ministry of Ayush were also followed.
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Vice President's Secretariat
Ancient science of Yoga is India’s invaluable gift to the world - Vice President
“Yoga has no barrier of age, caste, religion and regions, it is universal” – Vice President
“Work for not just transforming our minds and bodies but also the overall transformation of the nation,” says Shri Naidu
Vice President joins International Yoga Day celebrations in Secunderabad
VP asks everyone to make Yoga part of their daily lives and reap its benefits
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today joined the International Yoga Day celebrations along with hundreds of other participants at an event organized by the Ministry of Tourism at Parade Ground in Secunderabad. The Vice President performed Yoga and addressed the participants during the program.
In his address, Shri Naidu said that the ancient science of Yoga is India’s invaluable gift to the world and asked everyone to make Yoga part of their daily lives and reap its benefits. He also emphasized the need for undertaking further research on Yoga as a wellness solution.
Describing the meaning of Yoga as 'to join' or 'to unite', Shri Naidu said it emphasizes the unity and harmony between the mind and body, and man & nature. “On this occasion, I would urge everyone to work for the unity and harmony among all sections of the society.”
The Vice President stressed the need to take inspiration from our ancient philosophy, and work for not just transforming our minds and bodies but also the overall transformation of the nation. Quoting from Gita, he described ‘Yoga’ as ‘Excellence in action’ and wanted this to be the ‘mantra’ for every Indian to take the country forward. “If you excel in your chosen field and perform your duties honestly, the nation will certainly progress faster”, he added.
Emphasizing the importance of good health in one’s life, Shri Naidu highlighted the importance of events like ‘International Yoga Day’ in promoting good health and happiness among the citizens.
Mentioning this year’s theme for Yoga Day - ‘Yoga for Humanity’, the Vice President underlined the role Yoga in ensuring holistic physical and mental health and well-being among the masses. Referring to increasing mental health issues due to COVID-19 pandemic, he said that the pandemic has made Yoga altogether more important to build resilience and improve our health.
Complimenting the Union Ministry of Culture for its efforts in promoting Yoga, the Vice President said that Yoga reflects Indian culture of harmony with nature, love for all living beings and spirituality. “We should be proud of this glorious gift from our forefathers and spread & promote Yoga across the world for the larger welfare of humanity,” he added.
The Vice President also said that Yoga has no barrier of age, caste, religion and regions. “It is universal,” he emphasized and asked people to practice, propagate and feel proud of Yoga.
Union Minister, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Olympian PV Sindhu, and others participated in the mega event.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates and lays foundation stone of 12 NH projects in Nashik, of length 206 km and worth Rs. 1,678 crore
Rs. 5000 Crore will be spent on Mumbai-Nashik highway - Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
In the next two to two and a half years, the journey from Nashik to Mumbai will be in just two hours - Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expresses confidence
Mumbai, 4 October 2021
Union Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari virtually inaugurated and laid foundation stone of about 206 Km long NH projects worth nearly Rs. 1,678 crore in Nashik, Maharashtra in the presence of Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Kapil Moreshwar Patil and Union Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar.
While inaugurating the projects the Minister informed that Rs 5,000 crore would be spent on the Mumbai-Nashik highway. “The journey from Nashik to Mumbai would be completed in just two hours in the next two to two and a half years,” he added.
He expresses concern over the noise pollution caused by vehicle horns. As a solution to this, he suggested that in future, the horns of all vehicles would have the sound of Indian musical instruments. He expressed concern over the high number of deaths due to road accidents in Maharashtra.
These 12 projects include 206 kms long roads worth Rs. 1,678 crore.
Foundation Stones Laid for:
- 4 Nos Grade Separated Structures at Kalyan/ Bapgaon, Vasind, Asangaon and Kasara / Washala Junction on NH-3. Length: 3 Km. Cost: 84 Cr.
- Flyover at Ghoti-Sinnar Junction on Vadape-Gonde section of NH-3. Length: 1.6 Km. Cost: 44 Cr.
- VUP at Purmepada on Dhule-Pimplegaon section of NH-3. Length: 1.2 Km. Cost: 27 Cr.
- VUP at Khadavali Junction on Vadape-Gonde Section of NH-3. Length :0.70 Km. Cost: 24 Cr.
- Up-gradation of Nandgaon-Manmad Section of NH-753J. Length: 21 Km. Cost: 211 Cr.
- VUP @ Ch. 185/500 on Sinnar-Nashik Road NH-60. Length: 0.8 Km. Cost: 25 Cr.
Projects Dedicated to the Nation:
- Elevated Corridor from K K W. Engg College to Hotel Jatra & 4 Flyovers at Pimpalgaon , Kokangaon and Ojhar on NH-3. Length: 8 Km. Cost: 448 Cr.
- VUP at Vilholi, Ozar, Major Bridge on Godavari & Road Safety Works in Nashik City on NH-3. Length: 4.5 Km. Cost: 57 Cr.
- Up-gradation of Saputara-Vani-Pimpalgaon Baswant Section of NH-953. Length: 40 Km. Cost: 184 Cr.
- Up-gradation of Kusumba Malegaon Section of NH-160 H. Length: 42 Km. Cost: 203 Cr.
- Up-gradation of Chalisgaon-Nandgaon Section of NH-753J. Length: 44 Km. Cost: 169 Cr.
- Widening / Strengthening of Nashik-Peth to State Border Section of NH-848. Length: 39 Km. Cost: 203 Cr.
Minister Public Works, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri. Ashok Chavan, Minister of Agriculture, Shri. Dadaji Dagadu Bhuse, Minister for Food and Civil Supply, Consumer Affairs & Guardian Minister, Nashik District, Shri. Chhagan Chandrakant Bhujbal were also present during the event.PIB Mumbai-DJM/DL/DR
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Ministry of Defence
Webinar on manufacturing PPEs and other products for Combating COVID-19
Domestic industry needs to gear up their manufacturing capabilities to meet the rising demand of COVID-19 combat products for both Government and non-Government sectors. In this regard a webinar was organised by Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers  in collaboration with the DRDO led by Secretary Department of Defence Research  and Chairman Defence Research and Development Organisation  Dr G Satheesh Reddy and other stakeholders today.
Dr Reddy addressed the plenary session and lauded the efforts of industry in coming forward to produce COVID-19 related medical equipment for supporting the national cause of combating the pandemic. He briefed on the new DRDO design for PPEs and assured that complete know-how will be shared with industries seeking it. He further mentioned that R&D efforts are being undertaken on reusability of the PPE fabrics. A serious effort is being put for indigenisation of critical components for ventilators, oxygen cylinders, goggles, test kits, swabs and Viral Transport Mediums .
Secretary DD R&D said that DRDO is developing about 15-20 products currently. He informed about the newly developed products like UV sanitisation box, handheld UV device, COVSACK , foot operated fumigation device, touch free sanitisers and face shield for prevention against COVID-19.
During the interactive session several queries were raised by industries regarding material, sourcing, testing, sealants and DRDO developed new products. The queries were addressed by the panellists from DRDO, South India Textile Research Association  and other organisations. All technical details of these equipment are available to industries for production at free of cost from DRDO.
He wished all success to all participants of the webinar and assured that technological partnership between DRDO and industries will be strengthened in this time of crisis. .
Ministry of Textiles
Institute of Handloom Technology
Indian Institute of Handloom Technology , Bargarh  is conducting three years Diploma course in Handloom & Textile Technology with an approved intake of 45 students per year. IIHT, Bargarh caters to the students from the States of Odisha , Chhattisgarh , Maharashtra  and Telangana .
Government of India, Ministry of textiles has introduced four year Degree Course “B.Tech in Handloom & Textile Technology” at IIHT, Salem  from the academic session 2015-16 with an approved intake of 60 students per year. Besides, 20% of intake i.e. 12 students are also admitted in 2nd year of the Degree Course through lateral entry. The Degree Course is approved by All India Council for Technical Education  and affiliated to Anna University, Chennai. Introduction of Degree Course at IIHT, Salem was one of the approved plan activity during the 12th Five Year Plan.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.